Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Five years ago (Summer 2010), we built our first pasture friendly, chemical free, horsefly traps. &nbsp Each year, we see fewer and fewer of these nasty horse eating pests. &nbsp The traps catch a lot of the female greenheads / horseflies, but they also catch a few wasps, mosquitoes, and other flying bugs that were attracted to our big wood traps.

Due to the sheer size and weight of the traps, they have stood up to all sorts of wicked winds! &nbsp Of course, due to their heft, they require some effort to move and position.

This model was being delivered to the pasture by ATV is the Holstein. :-) Note the black and white "tail", made from painted hay bale twines. &nbsp :-)

We have found with experience that careful positioning the traps makes a world of difference. &nbsp Ideally, the traps need to be placed along the flight path of the hungry horseflies as they go in search of fresh blood. &nbsp So, it really helps to know where the horseflies are hatching! &nbsp In our case, the farm pond is the hatching grounds. &nbsp We place the traps on the side of the pastures closest to the pond.

The durability of the traps has been fantastic thanks to keeping them indoors during the winter season. &nbsp The only parts that have needed maintenance so far are the bungy cords which hold the containment systems in place, and the containment system, which is the popular "Trap & Toss" without the chemicals added.

Our horses graze around our traps with no problems at all. &nbsp There are lots of horsefly traps available on the open market. &nbsp If you have not considered purchasing one and you have horseflies, build or buy yourself a trap or two! &nbsp Your horses will thank you for it!